Hanging travel bag and cover with security pockets

ABSTRACT

An article of manufacture for providing travel security for items of personal property, and more specifically, an article of manufacture for a hanging travel bag with hidden security pockets is disclosed. The article of manufacture includes a hanging bag having a plurality of storage compartments arranged in rows of compartments on two sides, each of the plurality of storage compartments having an outer layer coupled to a zipper closing mechanism along an open end and a lining layer attached to a side of the hanging bag, a hanging hook coupled to the hanging bag for supporting the hanging bag when in use, and a bag cover sized to permit the hanging bag be contained inside the cover and having an opening along a top edge to permit the hanging hook to protrude through the cover. The plurality of storage compartments are created when the outer layer and the lining layer are coupled together along inner sides of each compartment. The plurality of storage compartments include a security pocket. The security pocket has an outside layer coupled to the zipper closing device along the open end of the security pocket and an inner layer of material coupled to three inner sides of the security pocket creating a second storage compartment between the inner layer and a lining layer of the hanging bag.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates in general to an article of manufacture for providing travel security for items of personal property, and more specifically, to an article of manufacture for a hanging travel bag with hidden security pockets.

BACKGROUND

Travelers take items of significant as well as lesser value when they embark on a trip away from home. At times, the travelers may be in possession of valuable jewelry, cash, and similar items, and important documents such as passports and travel plans, that are transported along with personal hygiene products, make up and beauty products, and personal items and clothing. Staying organized while traveling by plane, train, or bus may also be difficult as space to organize and locate various items for use may be difficult, especially when using small rest rooms on these modes of transportation.

Therefore, a need exists for an article of manufacture for a hanging travel bag with hidden security pockets. The present invention attempts to address these limitations ad deficiencies in prior solutions by providing a means to organize and transport all of the items taken when travelling in separate compartments and pockets of varying sizes. These compartments also may attempt to hide the more valuable items in less conspicuous locations in an attempt to provide a level of security and comfort to the traveler using principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, the above and other problems are solved by providing an article of manufacture for a hanging travel bag with hidden security pockets according to the principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, the present invention is an article of manufacture for providing a hanging travel bag with hidden security pockets. The article of manufacture includes a hanging bag having a plurality of storage compartments arranged in rows of compartments on two sides, each of the plurality of storage compartments having an outer layer coupled to a zipper closing mechanism along an open end and a lining layer attached to a side of the hanging bag, a hanging hook coupled to the hanging bag for supporting the hanging bag when in use, and a bag cover sized to permit the hanging bag be contained inside the cover and having an opening along a top edge to permit the hanging hook to protrude through the cover. The plurality of storage compartments are created when the outer layer and the lining layer are coupled together along inner sides of each compartment. The plurality of storage compartments include a security pocket. The security pocket has an outside layer coupled to the zipper closing device along the open end of the security pocket and an inner layer of material coupled to three inner sides of the security pocket creating a second storage compartment between the inner layer and a lining layer of the hanging bag.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features that are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only, and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment for an article of manufacture for a hanging travel bag with hidden security pockets according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates another example embodiment of an article of manufacture for a hanging travel bag with hidden security pockets according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of one of a plurality of pockets on an article of manufacture for a hanging travel bag with hidden security pockets according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example embodiment of an open security pocket with a hidden inner layer in an article of manufacture for a hanging travel bag with hidden security pockets according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This application relates in general to providing travel security for items of personal property, and more specifically, to an article of manufacture for a hanging travel bag with hidden security pockets according to the present invention.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the claimed invention.

In describing embodiments of the present invention, the following terminology will be used. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a needle” includes reference to one or more of such needles and “etching” includes one or more of such steps. As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It further will be understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and “including” specify the presence of stated features, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps or components. It also should be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions and acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality and acts involved.

As used herein, the term “about” means that dimensions, sizes, formulations, parameters, shapes, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximated and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill. Further, unless otherwise stated, the term “about” shall expressly include “exactly.”

The terms “traveler,” and “user” refer to an entity, e.g. a human, using the hanging travel bag with hidden security pockets associated with the invention. The term user herein refers to one or more users.

The term “invention” or “present invention” refers to the invention being applied for via the patent application with the title “Hanging Travel Bag with Security Pockets.” Invention may be used interchangeably with travel bag.

In general, the present disclosure relates to an article of manufacture for providing travel security for items of personal property. To better understand the present invention, FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment for an article of manufacture for a hanging travel bag 100 with hidden security pockets according to the present invention.

The hanging travel bag 100 provides a visually pleasing and efficient travel companion accessory that also provides security and storage for both cosmetics and jewelry. A security pocket, as discussed below with respect to FIG. 4, comprises an inconspicuous security flap located in select compartments, also known as pockets, which allows the traveler to hide valuables such as expensive jewelry, a key, travel cash, passport and/or copy of passport, credit card, RFID protection sleeve, and similar items of value.

In a preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the hanging travel bag has 6 rows of various-sized compartments 103 a-n on each side, each row secured with a zipper 302 a-f on top of each pocket. The compartments may vary in size to accommodate various-sized travel items. One side of the hanging travel bag 101 is designed to house cosmetics and various travel accessories. A back side is designed for jewelry and additional travel accessories. The back side of the hanging travel bag 101 includes a plurality of compartments 301 a-n with the security flap 304 to hide valuables. In some embodiments, the hanging travel bag 101 possesses a larger compartment for necklaces which also includes a larger security flap 304 to hold a valuable item such as a passport. The number of compartments 301 a-n with a security flap that creates a security pocket may vary. Any number and sizes of compartments 301 a-n, any number of rows of compartments, and any number of security pockets shown in the figures and disclosed herein are for example purposes. The present invention should be limited only by the limitations recited within the attached claims. Additional details regarding the security pockets are disclosed below in reference to FIG. 4.

The bag 101 may also include a storage pocket for a mirror 104. The mirror 104 may be either one sided or two sided where one side of a two-sided mirror 104 provides a magnified reflection. The mirror 104 may be used in several ways. First, the mirror 104 may be hidden behind the security flap so the front portion of the pocket may also accommodate accessories. The mirror 104 may also be placed in front of the pocket so that it is visible, convenient, and useful when a mirror is not otherwise available. A mirror storage pocket that is sized to accommodate the dual-sided mirror 104 may be used as a perfect place to put a treasured photo of family or friends that sparks joy when away. The mirror storage pocket may be made of a transparent material that permits the traveler to see its contents. Finally, the dual-sided mirror 104 may be removed altogether, which frees up another compartment for additional accessories.

The hanging travel bag 100 may be made from any number of fabrics and materials providing a luxurious alternative to the many available utilitarian bags. The hanging travel bag 100 may include various decorative ornaments such as beads, tassels, and any unique embellishment 105 that dangles along the bottom of the bag to complete a sophisticated, elegant look. The hanging hook 102 permits the traveler to access items from the bag when traveling in small areas such as airline lavatories, cruise ships, trains, and hotel bathrooms. The hanging hook 102 ensures that the hanging travel bag 100 does not take up valuable counter space used by the traveler.

While the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 1 shows the bag 101 to be useful in transporting cosmetics and personal items, similar embodiments may be created to expand the present invention for additional uses such as bag for dancers and a travel bag for infants/children. With the addition of water-tight seals about the zippered closures, another embodiment may be useful to hold liquids and gels that otherwise might leak from the compartments 301 a-n.

FIG. 2 illustrates another example embodiment of an article of manufacture for a hanging travel bag 101 with hidden security pockets according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the hanging travel bag 101 includes a custom cover 201 made with decorative material such as high-end fabric or embossed plastic. The custom cover 201 fits perfectly over the bag 101 with a vertical 202 or bottom zipper 203 extending the length of the bag. This custom cover not only provides an additional layer of security, but also protects surrounding contents from any possible leakage of product when packed inside luggage. The hanging hook 102 extends out of an opening at the top of the custom cover 201.

In other embodiments, the custom cover 201 may have fasteners to permit the hanging travel bag 101 to be folded in half and secured to itself for ease of transportation and inclusion inside other luggage. The fasteners may include clasps, snaps, buttons, zippers, Velcro™, and similar devices to couple one side of the cover to the other. These fasteners may be attached to the travel bag 101 and protrude through the custom cover 201 to permit the fasteners to be used both when the custom cover 201 is over the travel bag 101 as well as when the custom cover 201 is not in use.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of one of a plurality of pockets on an article of manufacture for a hanging travel bag with hidden security pockets according to the present invention. Two rows of containers 303 a-c are shown in FIG. 3. The travel bag 101 may comprise rows 301 and columns 304 of stitching that connects all of the layers of material together into a solid item around the rows of compartments 303 a-c. A zipper 302 a-b is located above each row of compartments 303 a-c that is used to secure the outer material of the compartments to the bag's material. In this particular embodiment, the compartments 303 a-c are shown to provide the same amount of storage volume with a single zipper 302 a-b for each row. The outside material of the compartments 303 a-b is shown to be a solid material that prevents examination of the contents of each container without opening the containers 303 a-c using the zippers 302 a-b.

In other embodiments, multiple zippers 302 a-b may be used for a single row to provide additional separation of the contents of the containers 303 a-c. Additionally, the outside material of the containers 303 a-c may also be made of a transparent material such as clear plastic to permit the contents of the containers to be visible to the traveler. Any number of combinations of solid and transparent outside material for the compartments 303 a-c may be used in embodiments of the present invention. Lastly, the two rows of containers 303 a-c shown in FIG. 3 possess the same distance between adjacent rows. In other embodiments, the number and size of the individual rows of compartments 303 a-c may vary depending upon the intended use of the compartments.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example embodiment of an open security pocket having a hidden inner layer in an article of manufacture for a hanging travel bag with hidden security pockets according to the present invention. An item of jewelry 404 is shown within a security pocket 403 as depicted in FIG. 4. The security pocket 303 is constructed by attaching two pieces of outside material 402 a-b to opposing sides of a zipper 406. The remaining sides of the two pieces of outside material 402 a-n are sewn to the other layers of material that are part of the travel bag 101. When the zipper 406 is unzipped, an opening to the security pocket 403 is exposed.

The security pocket 403 also comprises a security flap 405 between the outside material 402 a-b and an inner surface of the security pocket 403. Two separate storage areas are created on either side of the security flap 405. Valuable items to be hidden may be placed between the security flap 405 and the inner surface of the security pocket 403. Ordinary items may be stored between a top surface of the security flap 405 and the outer material 402 b. If an exposed edge of the security flap 405 is tucked under the part of the zipper on the top side of the pocket, the inner storage area may be inconspicuous to a casual observer and thus hide the valuable items from view. In one possible embodiment, the underside of the security flap 405 may be coupled to the inner surface of the security pocket under the zipper 406 using an attachment mechanism such mating pairs of Velcro™. By securing the top edge of the security flap 405, opportunity for a casual observer to see the existence of the security flap 405, and thus the hidden storage area, may be reduced. While other attachment mechanisms may be used in place of Velcro™, mechanisms which do not require part of its components to be visible on the top side of the security flap 405 are preferable. The security pockets 403 may be located in any of the compartments 303 a-n on both sides of the travel bag 101 as needed by intended use of the travel bag 101.

Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the present application, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of the invention. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in this application. In other words, any of the features mentioned in this application may be included to this new invention in any combination or combinations to allow the functionality required for the desired operations.

No element, act, or instruction used in the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. 

What is claimed:
 1. An article of manufacture for providing travel security for items of personal property, and more specifically, an article of manufacture for a hanging travel bag with hidden security pockets, the article comprises: a hanging bag having a plurality of storage compartments arranged in rows of compartments on two sides, each of the plurality of storage compartments having an outer layer coupled to a zipper closing mechanism along an open end and a lining layer attached to a side of the hanging bag; a hanging hook coupled to the hanging bag for supporting the hanging bag when in use; and a bag cover sized to permit the hanging bag be contained inside the cover and having an opening along a top edge to permit the hanging hook to protrude through the cover wherein the plurality of storage compartments are created when the outer layer and the lining layer are coupled together along inner sides of each compartment.
 2. The article of manufacture according to claim 1, wherein the article further comprises: a mirror attachable to one side of the hanging bag; and a mirror pocket sides to hold and protect the mirror within the hanging bag when not in use.
 3. The article of manufacture according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of storage compartments comprise a security pocket, the security pocket having the outside layer coupled to the zipper closing device along the open end of the security pocket and an inner layer of material coupled to three inner sides of the security pocket creating a second storage compartment between the inner layer and a lining layer of the hanging bag.
 4. The article of manufacture according to claim 3, wherein outer layer and the lining layer are coupled together stitching along the three inner sides of the compartment.
 5. The article of manufacture according to claim 3, wherein the security pocket further comprises Velcro on the underside of the inner layer of material to couple the open end of the security pocket to the lining layer.
 6. The article of manufacture according to claim 3, wherein the inner layer of material of the security pocket is placed under an inner side of the zipper device to secure the inner layer of material to the lining layer.
 7. The article of manufacture according to claim 3, wherein the outer layer of one or more compartments is transparent to reveal the contents of the one or more compartments.
 8. The article of manufacture according to claim 7, wherein the outer layer of one or more compartments is made of a solid material to hide the contents of the one or more compartments.
 9. The article of manufacture according to claim 1, the bag cover secures a bottom edge to enclose the hanging bag.
 10. The article of manufacture according to claim 3, wherein there are two security pockets one of which is located on each of the two sides of the hanging bag. 